On 20 March 2025, the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) organized a dynamic public discussion that brought together experts and practitioners to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the bioenergy sector—one of the most significant yet often overlooked pillars of the energy transition in Bulgaria. 

Kalina Tcolova (CSD) emphasized the importance of initiatives like the TrustxBio Challenge to strengthen public confidence in bioenergy. Rayna Popova of WWF Bulgaria provided an update on recent regulatory shifts, while Genady Kondarev (Epicentrico) and Petko Anchev (AgroCO2) presented cutting-edge technological solutions advancing the sector in Bulgaria. As bioenergy remains the largest renewable energy source in the EU—accounting for 59% of renewables in 2021—the discussion underscored the urgent need to reposition it as a credible and indispensable tool for achieving energy independence and reaching Europe’s decarbonisation goals by 2050.

The event was held in collaboration with the Academy for Innovation in Agribusiness, a joint initiative of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, LIDER.BG, the Applied Research and Communications Fund, Cleantech Bulgaria, and the Professional Association for Robotics, Automation and Innovation (PARAi). The Academy complements and builds on the education offered in the Master’s Program “Innovation and Digital Transformation of Agribusiness” at Sofia University, aiming to connect academic excellence with real-world innovation in sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy.